THOUSANDS of people joined in a colourful, noisy parade through the city centre as they launched Pride Bristol Day.

A morning of rain and cloud started to clear up as the procession made its way from Queen Square to Castle Park, where the event was officially opened by human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

From drag queens to trade unionists, the procession featured those celebrating being different, some making a political statement and others who wanted to remember those who had lost their lives to HIV or prejudice.

A rainbow flag was carried by one group of festival-goers, while banners, balloons and a range of sometimes outrageous outfits added to the vivid display.

The parade came at the end of a week of events that made up the second Pride Bristol week.

Last year's inaugural event was a major success and plans for this year's programme were started almost as soon as the 2010 festival was over.

Pride Bristol spokeswoman Louise Trimby praised the work of directors Daryn Carter, Anna Rutherford and Amy Wilson.

She said: "They have worked tirelessly for more than eight months to make Pride happen.

They've inspired more than 200 volunteers to get involved and we are incredibly grateful for what they have done.

"It's been great to see Bristol come out and show their support for diversity and equality. We're also glad to showcase local, high quality artists."

The organising team had less than 24 hours to get Castle Park ready for the festival, setting up stages, marquees and bars.

Festival-goers were able to enjoy food from around the world and watch performers on three stages and in the Queer Tent.

Brit award winner Kelis was the headline act and there were also performances throughout the day and night ranging from the Bristol Samba School to Sing Out Bristol – the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender choir in the South West.

Mr Tatchell told the crowd they could be proud of law reforms that had been introduced in the last decade but said there was still an ultimate goal of equality for all.

He said there was still discrimination, highlighting a ban on same-sex marriages and urged those at the event to lobby for change.

He said: "Yes we can have civil partnerships but there has to be civil marriage for everyone and civil partnerships for everyone.

"Together we can and we will win. These discriminations will not last much longer."